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FACCE-JPI's Knowledge Network of Sustainable Intensification started its work

The Knowledge Network of Sustainable Intensification (KNSI) will begin with mapping and defining the area of work as well as discussing the roles and ways of working. The network started its work in the kick-off meeting held on June 3rd, 2016 in Wageningen, the Netherlands.

Sustainable Intensification is a concept that brings together producing more with less, that is, more food with less environmental impact. It is one of the five core themes of FACCE-JPI. In order to align sustainable intensification research in Europe, the JPI proposed an alignment action in the implementation plan (IP) for 2014–2015 and renewed this in the new 2016–2018 IP.

The KNSI brings together research institutes, policy makers, funders, and other relevant stakeholders. Its ambition is to create a strong expert community across Europe, and beyond, and to identify opportunities for working more closely together.

The expert community is connected by a committee of national science leads and funder representatives. The network will be formed by ongoing projects, programmes and various national and international science-policy-practice interactions.

On Friday June 3rd the KNSI Committee, consisting of a national research lead and a national funder representative from each of the nine countries involved so far, met for the first time in Wageningen. The aim of the kick off was to connect, form the KNSI committee and develop ideas for a Work Programme for the coming three years.

Countries keen to share data and expertise

The starting ground of the network is to learn the best practices of other knowledge networks, such as FACCE-MACSUR and the United Kingdom’s Knowledge Network on sustainable intensification. Most countries have no formal Sustainable Intensification networks but a lot of activities are happening in the area.

The participating countries felt that the knowledge network will be valuable in aligning transnational activities and ensuring collaborative approach to achieving sustainable intensification.

It was also clear that they are keen to share data, information, expertise and best practices to build on current knowledge. The network should contribute to influencing high level European policy agendas, for example Food and Nutrition Security Strategy, and the FP9.

First year will contain mapping and discussion

The knowledge network will start its work with mapping of sustainable intensification related activities, key research sites and key areas covered, as well as mapping the economic constraints and standard Sustainable Intensification metrics and indicators.

It is also necessary to define the scope of the network activities and agree on the ways of working. The next meeting is foreseen for autumn 2016, and will focus on the Work Programme.

The KNSI initiative is led by the FACCE JPI governing board members from the UK and The Netherlands and supported by Defra and the FACCE Secretariat.